I am looking at a 1993 fd, pretty much stock besides the apexi gt catback, engine and turbos rebuilt at 80,000 miles and since he has put about 25,000 on the car.
He is only asking 5,500. Buy it?

I've done a ton of research on reliability modifications etc on the forum, but I have not heard too much about 3mm apex seals? Are they a good investment?
The only reliability mod he has done is replaced and zip tied all the vacuum hoses.

He also mentioned to me that he has had boost problems before, when I test drove it, the 10-8-10 boost pattern seemed fine. Are low boost/boost leak problems pretty common with FDs?

 

GT Catback? 5,500 for a FD? Sounds like a scam to me. So you actually drove it? How is the title? CLean? Salvage???

 

3mm seals are a waste on a stock car, and certainly not 'required' for higher hp cars. Just a different seal than stock that offers some advantages over 2mm when running extra high power.

Yes, turbos often have boost control system problems. Not earth-shattering stuff, just a huge number of heat-sensitive parts that are enclosed in an ovenlike part of the engine.

The price is less than half of market value. You may have a diamond in the rough, or a car with a very troubled history. Tread carefully.

Dave

 

$5,500 for a stock FD. As long as the owner has the title and it's clear, how can this be a scam? Even if the owner is not telling the truth about the motor rebuild, it's not a bad deal.

 

I'd be looking for flood damage or other signs of a bad accident, regardless of what the title says.

 

what's the milage?

 

I did drive the car and it seemed well maintained.
Of course I won't be paying until the Title is in my hand. He mentioned it was a clear title, but i plan on doing a carfax check.

The car has 105k, he has told me the engine and turbos were both rebuilt around 80k. He also told me he had reciepts for proof.

But if the engine wasn't rebuilt, I find it hard to believe it is still running strong with a perfect boost pattern. I scanned the car pretty carefully, and also the engine bay. Still I thought its was good deal...the guy is a young college kid and seems pretty trustworthy.

 

I'm not saying it's a bad car, but NEVER EVER believe appearances. The best actors are the most convincing.

Dave

 

YES IT'S A GREAT DEAL

cause that's what you want to hear....

even if you have to rebuild the engine, it's still an FD for 11k...

 

^That's what I was thinking. Just because the engine was rebuilt and the car runs, doesn't mean there aren't more underlying problems. If it's a young college kid selling it, you can be damn sure he knows what it's worth too. Just be skeptical and find out as much as you can.